Topical Bible: Christian Conduct: Subduing the Temper

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Subduing the temper is a significant aspect of Christian conduct, reflecting the transformation that occurs in a believer's life through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Bible provides guidance and wisdom on managing anger and cultivating a spirit of gentleness and self-control.

Biblical Foundation

The Scriptures emphasize the importance of controlling one's temper as a reflection of godly character. Proverbs 16:32 states, "He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city." This verse highlights the strength and virtue found in patience and self-control, elevating it above physical might and conquest.

James 1:19-20 further instructs believers: "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." Here, the apostle James underscores the importance of listening and restraint, pointing out that human anger often leads away from God's righteous path.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of subduing the temper. Throughout His earthly ministry, He demonstrated patience and compassion, even in the face of provocation and injustice. In 1 Peter 2:23 , it is written, "When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." Christ's response to suffering and insult exemplifies the perfect control of temper, rooted in trust in God's justice.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The ability to subdue one's temper is not merely a human endeavor but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." These attributes are cultivated in the believer's life through the Spirit's work, enabling them to respond to anger with grace and restraint.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to actively pursue peace and reconciliation, as instructed in Romans 12:18 : "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This pursuit involves a conscious effort to control one's temper and seek harmony in relationships.

Ephesians 4:26-27 provides practical advice: "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold." This passage acknowledges that anger itself is not inherently sinful, but it must be managed carefully to prevent sin and spiritual vulnerability.

Prayer and Reflection

Prayer is a vital tool in subduing the temper. Believers are encouraged to seek God's help in moments of anger, asking for the strength to respond with patience and love. Psalm 141:3 offers a fitting prayer: "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips."

Through prayer, reflection on Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to subdue their temper, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 4:26
Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 1:19
Why, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

section second.
... and these could only be overcome gradually by the subduing power of ... and pattern,
Him after whom the whole Christian life in its spirit and conduct should be ...
/.../the epistle of paul to the philippians practically explained/section second.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... What progress have I made in subduing them ... of the important question,""Am Ia Christian?"
A portion ... Bring the exercises of your heart, and the conduct of your ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

Civilized Barbarism (Preached for the Bishop of London's Fund, at ...
... and replenishing the earth, and subduing it ... by law and right; if they will conduct
themselves, not ... maxims, but necessary, though difficult Christian duties; then ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon xix civilized barbarism preached.htm

The Mortifications Here Treated of in Particular are not of Such ...
... then, that the duty of a Christian (much more ... and cheerfully accepted it, then subduing
all reluctances ... run on blindly before, or without the conduct of reason ...
/.../chapter ii the mortifications here.htm

The Use of Fear in Religion.
... may, therefore, be subjected to a subduing and repressing ... Thus, as a Christian may
sometimes outweigh the pleasures ... he saw in character and conduct, were also ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/shedd/sermons to the natural man/the use of fear in.htm

Thomas' Test.
... in the gospel-story, and his conduct and conversation ... that he was with the little
Christian community on ... treatment of the erring, the same subduing presence. ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxiii thomas test.htm

1 Cor. xiii. 4
... [211] " See love again not only subduing vice, but ... doctrine: not the man, but the
wicked conduct, the corrupt ... thou wouldst fain make me a Christian." (Acts 26 ...
/.../homily xxxiii 1 cor xiii.htm

part viii.
... 1769] , an intruder rather than a Christian, whom he ... terrible are such proceedings;
yet conduct suitable to ... on this world; but, as subduing, engrossing, and ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part viii.htm

Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly.
... 28:20), if the Lord would conduct him safely ... of food as polluted, but in subduing
concupiscence, and ... virgins have dedicated themselves to Christian faith, let ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 of vows the.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... Such teaching is horrifying to Christian hearts. ... of certain infidels are most exemplary
in moral conduct. ... Who has succeeded in subduing or controlling an angry ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm